May 29 2010 marked the final day of operation of Newark Bus Station. A spanking new one is due to open as part of a development including an ASDA store around
Christmas 2011. In the meantime, buses will terminate at the Wharf (by the river near the roundabout close to the Castle) and on Castlegate (road running from the
roundabout towards the old bus station). More details
HERE
For years, Newark bus station has been, well, a disgrace and the miserable, wet weather on its final day did not make things seem any better. Without toilets
and with the cafe boarded up it is a wonder Stagecoach put up their name so prominently when they took over from Roadcar. The adjoining bus depot has
been closed for some months, so adding to the air of decay. Thus I doubt anyone will mourn the closing of the Newark Bus Station.
However, the day was made special by Stagecoach East Midlands providing Routemaster RML 2565 (JJD 565D) to run on town services most of the day, finishing with a
return trip to Mansfield on service 28. Many enthusiasts supported this venture, while passengers looked amazed as the bus pulled up at their stop, many searching
for the entrance at the front of the bus! (Well, the youngsters have never experienced a bus with an entrance at the BACK . . . with NO DOORS! Cool.)
The fact that the bus was in Stratford Blue livery with CONGRATULATIONS! on the front blind, HAPPY BIRTHDAY on the side and WEDDING DAY SPECIAL
on the rear did nothing to ease the confusion! Once aboard, though, they really enjoyed their ride in style and appreciated the help of the friendly conductor.
If you are a person that looks back with nostalgia on the wonderful buses of yesteryear, do not read my next two sentences as it will upset you. On
the journey to Mansfield, which is admittedly tightly timed, 2565 struggled to keep to the timetable, despite being expertly driven by Mark Butler,
now I believe part of Stagecoach management at Lincoln, having been previously at, amongst other places, Mansfield, Worksop and Chesterfield.
Modern buses may not have the charisma, but they have the power and ease of boarding not found in their predecessors.
Newark continues to have problems with traffic congestion. More buses loading on the streets will not help. So let us hope that the new bus station
when it eventually opens lives up to expectations. I wonder if we will be treated to a ride on RML 2565 on the opening day?
Oliver Foreman